The Ouachita telegraph. [volume] (Monroe, La.) 1865-1889, 1887-10-29

Democrats and the legitimists. The
latter were In the ascendency and bad
exiied the leaders Of the opposition
party. In the month mentioned these
exiles returned surreptitiously from
Tiger island, and landing at Realejo,
which they captured, and then proceed
ed to Ohinandega. At that point they
proceeded to organize a revolution
against the existing authorities. These
Sevolutionists included ID. Maxwell
JereZ, ID. Mateo Pineda and ID. Jose
Maria Vale. At Chinandega they
were Joined by a great many enthu-
siasts in their cause, and then pro-
ceeded to march on Leon. Reaching
there provisional government was
established. d. Francisco Castellon
was elected director. An assault was
made upon Grenada by Jerez and his
men, but 1t availed nothing, and
Jerez was forced to retreat in disor-
der.
It was about this time that Colonel
Walker returned to San Francisco from
his ill-fated Lower California expedi-
ton. He became aware of the condi-
ton Of the government in Nicaragua,
and Immediately saw grand opening
AVx u4VkO 0uv00LuICs IL WAC q unAluk
scheme for him to entertain, that of
taking body Of men to the scene of
the trouble and participating in it ;;
still It was In accord with his wild
spirit. He succeeded in obtaining
from Oastiiion a grant to introduce 800
Americans into Nicaragua with the
privilege of bearing arms. The idea
was to get au element into the country
that would assist in it's regeneration.
No secrecy was used in organizing
the band of "colonists." Walker
showed the grant to the district attor-
ney of the United States for the north-
ern district of California, Hon. s. Inge,
who declared that no law would be
violated under it. Walker then sailed
from San Francisco with band of
men in the brig Vesta for Reaiejo.
His intention was to assist the demo-
cratic forces in Nicaragua. He arrived
at Realejo on June II, 1866, with sixty
two followers. On his arrival he found
that affairs In Nicaragua had taken
bad turn for the Democratic party.
The provisional government was con-
dned 10 the occidental division Of the
state and legitimists held the oriental
and meridional departments. Walker
was pleased ut the desperate condition
of the Castellon party, rs it would
naturally be more inclined to receive
him with open arms. He was not
mistaken, and at Castellon's request he
formed his followers into Ia ialange
Americana-American phalanx. Walk
er's first military movement was to ad-
vance ON Rivas, the stronghold Of the
legitimists. After desperate struggle
he was forced to retreat with loss of
one man. In addition to his Ameri-
cans, Walker had natives in his SER
vice.
The next action took place at Virgin
bay, in which he was triumphant. On
Oct. Is Walker took possession of the
city Of Granada, and by u treaty with
Corral, the opposing leader, was made
generalissimo. Corral was tried for
treason by court martial, over which
Walker presided. On Nov. Corral
was shot. AS success crowned Walk
er's struggles, so did interest in his
cause increase in the United States.
Shipping offices were opened in the
leading cities, and recruits we're plen-
tiful.
On March /, 1856, Walker had over
AHVO <AuA0ItCduS uuuSA ulS COutTOls Ills
star of destiny was in the ascendant,
and his dreams of contest were well
nigh realized. But he now had anoth-
er difficulty on his hands. Costa RIGA
declared war against him. Walker got
his army in motion aud advanced on
the Costa Ricaus.
A battle took place at Guanacaste on
March 20. Walker was defeated, but
10 a second battle that occurred ut Ri
vas be once more obtained the advant-
age. Hostilities ceased with this bat.
tie, tho Costa Ricans being much de-
pressed. Cholera was also prevailing
In their state.
Walker now carried matters further
In Nicaragua by breaking up the inter>
oceanic route and confscating the
property and revoking tho charter of
the Vanderbilt Steamship Company.
He followed this act by becoming
president of the stale, being elected in
June.
In September by decree he annulled
the existing prohibition of slavery. Of
such an arbitrary nature were many of
his acts that domestic revolution was
created. This was an opportunity
which the surrounding states that had
long been jealous of Walkers advances
had been waiting for.
A series OF battles were fought, aud